Growing Global Population Driving Force Behind Food Industry Mergers

The global population’s growing appetite for high protein foods and products are seen as the driving force behind food industry mergers, the Wall Street Journal reported. The report stated China, the country which has the biggest population in the world, is consuming more meat and dairy products, while in the United States, health conscious consumers are opting for foods high in protein rather that carbohydrate –rich meals. Food security is very important to feed about two billion more people by 2050. Sensing that the food industry will also be an important sector, several companies are investing more in food, drinks and agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the projected world’s population is to increase by 72 percent. During the period from 1995 to 2050, it is projected that the population will be growing from 5.7 billion to 9.8 billion people. An increased in population means an increase in how much food the people will be consuming. According to an article in National Geographic magazine, the bigger demand in food is also driven by prosperity spreading across the world. It said that there is an increased demand for meat, eggs, diary, and poultry. To feed the cattle, hogs and chickens, there is also an increased demand to grow corns and soybeans. A population growth means a doubling of the amount of crops or foods we need to produce by 2050. Nations will also have to prosper as the population grows to enable people to afford to eat meat. Developed nations such as the U.S. will also have an increased daily protein demand by 18.3 percent, developing nations by100. 3 percent and less developed countries by 68.2 percent per capita. The hunger for more food and protein packed products has propelled meat-industry giants and other food companies to expand their products for wider reach. China, which will have to feed billions more by 2050, has now focused on food as an important acquisition. WH Group or Shuanghui International Holdings acquired Smithfield Foods Inc. for $4.7 billion in the U.S. The demand for more food is also fuelling companies to secure assets. Hillshire Brands, a U.S. company, is trying to seal the deal with Pinnacle Foods for $4.3 billion. Protein is important in the human diet. Sources of protein are derived from food items such as meat eggs, dairy products, beans and grains. Protein is broken down into amino acids and replaces existing proteins in human cells. The human body cannot produce amino acids on its own thus the need for protein. Soupman Inc., maker of the The OriginalSoupman (SOUP), is one company that is focusing on providing consumers with healthier meal options, not only are they low in sodium but packed with high protein ingredients. The soup market is valued at $5.4 billion and is said to experience growth between 2013 to 2018, according to EuroMonitor International. Although volumes are expected to decline, it will be minimal as the growth of the industry will be due to new products in the soup market. Soupman is providing affordable, low-fat, low-sodium and high-fiber food items. Soupman has a wide array of meal options. The company is also gaining popularity for coming up with new, innovative, and conveniently packaged products. It is also tapping on the pro-protein trend. Aside from its meaty soup items, Soupman has made its Lentil Soup all natural and gluten-free. Lentil is a known source of protein. Lentils have the third-highest level of protein among the legume or nut category. During the 2014 Food Marketing Connect Show in Chicago, Soupman introduced new small-batch craft flavors. Soupman revived the small-batch craft approach which is unveiled at Chicago’s McCormick Place - the site of the show, from June 10 to June 13. During the show, the company is also unveiling three inventive new flavors, Chicken Gumbo, Crab Corn Chowder and Jambalaya. All high in protein and packed in the environment friendly Tetra Pack packages. In its small way, Soupman is also helping out in ensuring its production is not posing environmental hazards in the environment through partnership with Tetra Pak. Suley Muratoglu, Tetra Pak’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Management said in a press statement unveiling Soupman’s small batch craft approach stated, “we are excited to see the great success of the Original Soupman ready-to-serve soups and its recent addition of new flavors. And it is great to know that our Tetra Pak cartons, thanks to their smart design and environmental and protection profile are helping this product line score high with savvy consumers all over the country.” Methane from cattle, rice farms, nitrous oxide from fields using fertilizers are big contributors to global warming , it produces more greenhouse emissions more than from cars, airplanes or trains, according to National Geographic.

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